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As gentrification has devastated a number of tried-and-true workplaces around the world, from no-longer-peaceful Tulum all the way to Tbilisi, Georgia, where rents have skyrocketed since it was “discovered,” I get it if you feel like you are no more options.
We digital nomads are always looking for cheaper alternatives, preferably alternatives that have yet to be ruined by mass tourism – or should we say mass nomadism in this case – and that are based on a new report published by Search Logisticsthen we might have found them.
The digital marketing agency has created a list 3 surprising cities as the best destinations for digital nomads in 2025, and having experienced it myself, I tend to agree:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In third place is Rio de Janeiro (or simply Rio) in Brazil: this lively coastal metropolis, surrounded by green mountains and located on the azure ocean, scores 62.35 out of 100, and it is Brazil is the closest thing to a digital nomad paradise.
I mean, between the postcard-ready beaches – think a world-famous Ipanema or a glitz Copacabana – and the eclectic cultural scene, with colonial buildings and samba bars galore, it’s easy to see how Rio has won the hearts of my fellow long-term travelers.
I especially love it for its relaxing atmosphere (Praia do Leme and some fresh coconut are all the relaxation you need after a long day at work), and plethora of laptop-friendly brunch spotsalthough my absolute favorite is the American run Gringo Café in Ipanema.
As beautiful as Rio may be, I still advise you to proceed with caution: definitely do not show valuables in public (this also applies to your phone), beware of pickpockets, and if you go to a favela event or meeting – foreigners love that for some reason – don’t go unaccompanied.
Average cost of living in Rio de Janeiro according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal at a cheap restaurant: $5.77
- A three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant: €34.44
- Monthly Carrying Cost: $49.08
- One bedroom apartment in downtown Rio: $419.58
- Estimated monthly expenses: $996
Bucharest, Romania
In second place is Bucharest, with a score of 65.62, the fascinating capital of Romania, and an Eastern European gem that I called home just over a month ago many winters ago, and I’m glad it’s finally gets the praise. deserves:
Bucharest has an incredibly diverse architecture, with elements of the Belle Epoque and Soviet-style Brutalism, and it is a hugely underrated cultural centre host to world-class art galleries – if you’re a museum nerd like me, I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of Art.
I won’t lie to you: the endless clusters of communist-era apartment buildings, far from the Paris-coded city center, can sometimes feel oppressive, especially if you grew up as a Western child, but the good thing about Bucharest is, there’s always a quiet park you can escape to.
Herastrau in the spring puts New York’s Central Park to shame, and a peaceful Parcul Tineretului in Sector IV is great for beating the hustle and bustle of downtown, and the nearby Erbario coffee is a cozy eatery that serves brunch and specialty coffee at local prices.
Average cost of living in Bucharest according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal at a cheap restaurant: $11.66
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $52.98
- Monthly Carrying Fee: $16.95
- One bedroom apartment in the center of Bucharest: $596.14
- Estimated monthly expenses: $1,304
Bangkok, Thailand
The temple-studded urban sprawl in Bangkok, Thailand, which takes the lead with a score of 69.98 out of 100, is officially the best destination for digital nomads next year according to Search Logistics, and honestly I agree with that:
This is not only supported by Nomadswhere Bangkok is currently the hottest city in the community, Bangkok is essentially a Mecca for remote workers thanks to its extensive list of coworking spaces, unparalleled social scene and filthy cheap prices.
You can dine for $3, treat yourself to a foot massage for about $8, and… spend just $154 a week– Well, you could probably get the same, if not cheaper, in places like Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand, or Hanoi, in Vietnam, but you know what I mean.
Last but not least, Bangkok is unashamedly and exuberantly fun from Monday to Monday, with the gay-friendly Silom Soi 4 catering to a libertarian crowd, and the busy Sukhumvit Soi 11 offering a great choice of cocktail bars and laid-back venues on the roof.
Average cost of living in Bangkok according to Numbeo
- Price of a meal in a cheap restaurant: $2.85
- A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $28.52
- Monthly Carrying Cost: $37.07
- One bedroom apartment in the center of Bucharest: $555.16
- Estimated monthly expenses: $1,197
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
